The Senate on Tuesday called on the Federal Government to end the rehabilitation of so-called “repentant terrorists” and ensure that individuals involved in terrorism and other violent crimes are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The resolution followed growing concerns over worsening insecurity across the country, particularly the increasing attacks, kidnappings and killings of serving and retired military personnel.
During plenary, senators argued that Nigeria’s security challenges require tougher measures to deter criminality rather than policies that could be interpreted as rewarding those who have taken up arms against the state.
The upper legislative chamber insisted that anyone found guilty of terrorism or other organised violent crimes should face the full weight of the law through immediate prosecution.
Lawmakers said justice must not only be served but must also be seen to be served if Nigerians are to regain confidence in the country’s criminal justice system.
The resolution formed part of additional prayers adopted by the Senate while considering a motion on the rising attacks against current and former members of the Armed Forces.
The motion was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Army, Senator Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua.
Leading the debate, Yar’Adua expressed concern over what he described as a disturbing pattern of attacks targeting military personnel even after retirement.
He warned that the continued targeting of officers who had dedicated their lives to defending the country poses a serious threat to national security and weakens public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
According to the senator, attacks on military officers represent not only crimes against individuals but also an assault on the authority of the Nigerian state.
The motion was prompted by the recent kidnapping and death of retired Major General Rabe Abubakar, a former Director of Defence Information.
The retired senior officer was abducted alongside his wife in Katsina State by suspected kidnappers.
Although details surrounding the incident remain under investigation, the retired general later died while in captivity, a development that has generated widespread outrage within military circles and among Nigerians.
While presenting the motion, Yar’Adua recalled several other incidents involving retired military officers.
He cited the January 1, 2023 kidnapping of retired Colonel Rabiu Garba Yandoto and his two children along the Gusau-Tsafe Road in Zamfara State.
The victims were eventually released after negotiations with their abductors.
The senator also reminded the chamber of the September 27, 2023 abduction of retired Major General Richard Chukwudi Duru in Owerri, Imo State.
According to him, Duru was later killed by his abductors despite his family reportedly paying a ransom of $50,000 in an attempt to secure his freedom.
The lawmakers described these incidents as evidence of the growing threat posed by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating across different parts of the country.
During the debate, senators said the continued killings and kidnappings have left many Nigerians living in fear despite repeated security operations by the military and other law enforcement agencies.
As part of its resolutions, the Senate called on the Federal Government to abandon the policy of rehabilitating individuals described as repentant terrorists.
Lawmakers argued that while deradicalisation programmes may have a place in addressing violent extremism, those responsible for terrorist acts should first be prosecuted in line with the law.
They maintained that allowing suspected terrorists to undergo rehabilitation without facing trial sends the wrong signal to victims, security personnel and the wider public.
According to the Senate, accountability is essential in the fight against terrorism and organised crime.
The additional resolution was adopted after Senator Joseph Ikpea, who represents Edo Central Senatorial District, proposed the prayer.
His motion received the support of former Edo State Governor and Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, before it was approved by the chamber.
The Senate also resolved to seek an audience with President Bola Tinubu to formally present its concerns over the country’s worsening security situation.
Lawmakers said the planned meeting would provide an opportunity to convey the fears and frustrations of Nigerians over the persistent attacks by terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal groups.
They expressed hope that direct engagement with the President would help strengthen ongoing efforts to restore peace and improve national security.
Nigeria has battled insecurity for more than a decade, with different parts of the country facing threats ranging from terrorism in the North-East to banditry in the North-West, kidnapping for ransom in several states and attacks by armed criminal groups in parts of the North-Central and South-East.
Successive administrations have introduced a combination of military operations, intelligence gathering, community engagement and rehabilitation programmes aimed at tackling violent extremism.
One of the most prominent initiatives is the rehabilitation and deradicalisation programme for former insurgents who voluntarily surrender to security authorities.
Supporters of the programme argue that it encourages defections, weakens terrorist organisations and helps reintegrate individuals who renounce violence.
However, critics have consistently questioned the policy, arguing that many victims of terrorism are yet to receive justice while some former insurgents are being rehabilitated and reintegrated into society.
The issue has remained controversial, particularly among communities affected by insurgency and families of security personnel killed in the line of duty.
The Senate’s latest resolution reflects the growing concern among lawmakers over the effectiveness of existing strategies in tackling insecurity.
Many senators argued during the debate that while rehabilitation may have its place in national security policy, it should not replace criminal prosecution where sufficient evidence exists.
They maintained that ensuring justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable would strengthen public confidence in government efforts to combat terrorism.
The Senate’s resolutions are expected to be transmitted to the appropriate authorities, while lawmakers prepare to meet with President Tinubu to discuss possible measures to address the country’s persistent security challenges.